Pardon Me?

It is seldom that a person under a sentence of death would refuse a pardon. Yet there is one such case recorded in the annuals of the U.S. Supreme Court. Two men by the names of Wilson and Porter had been sentenced to be hanged for robbing the U.S. Mail in 1829. Porter was executed but three weeks before his own execution, Wilson was granted a pardon by then President Andrew Jackson. But foolishly, Porter refused to accept it!

The refusal to accept a pardon was a point of law that had never been raised before, so the Supreme Court was called upon to give a decision. In their decision Chief Justice John Marshall wrote the following: “A pardon is an act of grace, proceeding from the power intrusted with the execution of the laws, which exempts the individual on whom it is bestowed, from the punishment the law inflicts for a crime he has committed. A pardon is a deed, to the validity of which delivery is essential, and delivery is not complete without acceptance.”

How could a person be so foolish not to accept a pardon that would free them? Unfortunately, many still reject the forgiveness God offers thought his son. They foolishly believe they can receive forgiveness without accepting God’s plan for it. Paul remarks in 2 Corinthians 6:1 to “not receive the grace of God in vain.” God is gracious! He sent his son to provide the sacrifice for the sins of the world. But only when we accept that forgiveness by obeying the commands of God can we receive freedom in Christ.